Estimation of bixin in seeds of Bixa Orellana L. from different locations in western Maharashtra

Seeds of Bixa orellana L. were collected from four different locations of Maharashtra (Dapoli, Kolad, Powai and Savle). The pigments were extracted from the seeds by direct extraction with oil, direct extraction with aqueous alkali and indirect extraction with organic solvents (chloroform, chloroform: ethanol, ethyl acetate) and were assayed using spectro photometric method. Castor oil yielded comparatively smaller amount of bixin, which was maximum in Kolad samples. Aqueous alkali (pH13) extracted 0.4–1.25%, nor-bixin, maximum was in the sample collected at Savle. Chloroform could extract maximum bixin. Mixture of chloroform and ethanol was not very efficient in extracting bixin. Seeds from Dapoli had maximum bixin (chloroform extraction) and Kolad had maximum of minor carotenoids (ethyl acetate extraction).